Wally's Northwest Soul Serves Up Culture and Community At Grand Opening

Chef Wally, the owner of Wally's Northwest Soul, opened the doors to his new storefront last month in Seattle’s Central District. After a decade and a half of serving the community through selling plates, catering, and pop-up spots, the chef described his new brick-and-mortar location as a return home, celebrating the monumental achievement with the community that has deeply influenced him.

The celebrated chef shared his deep connection to the Central District. For him, the neighborhood is more than just a location; it's a place that shaped his existence as a chef and as a person. He sees Wally’s Northwest Soul as his way of "bringing culture back to the CD."

The food at Wally's is a reflection of the chef’s culinary journey, one that started in his grandmother's kitchen absorbing her Southern traditions. Recalling how he started cooking with her from age 10, Wally credits his grandmother for initiating his intense passion for the kitchen, eventually leading him to monetizing his skill and pursuing business ownership.

Wally's Northwest Soul menu is a celebration of Southern soul and Pacific Northwest flair, serving exciting twists on classics like catfish, turkey bowls, turkey legs, jumbolaya, po' boys, fried lobster, and specialty pastas. “Everything is crafted in home," Wally said.

When discussing the rewarding nature of cooking soul food, he pointed to his emotional connection to the culinary arts. "It's just being able to see the reaction that people have when they eat something that's good for their soul,” he said. "I try to come into the space always with great energy. I pray as soon as I walk in the door... to bring an atmosphere of love [and] peace."

The new storefront inhabits the previous location of the beloved Jackson’s Catfish Corner on 23rd and Jackson, which closed its doors earlier this year. For Wally, this move was a full-circle moment as a fan and friend of the former establishment, acknowledging the enduring legacy he is following and upholding.  

Wally explained that he spoke with the Catfish Corner owner, Terrell Jackson, who blessed him with the help of getting into the space. The Northwest Soul chef viewed it as a collaborative effort. "There was no gatekeeping. [Terrell] wanted to see me do well, wanted to see me push, just like I want to see him push,” he said. 

Speaking on his own signature style as a chef, Wally made clear that he is not trying to replicate the traditional South. 

"In Washington, we have our own taste. We have our own flavors. We have our own ingredients. We have our own blends,” he said. While his grandmother's Southern roots influence his food, Wally is focused on creating a culinary style for and by Washingtonians. 

Beyond the food, Wally's Northwest Soul is committed to youth empowerment, working with organizations such as YMCA, Africatown Community Land Trust,and The Village of Hope. The owner is focused on providing resources for self-sufficiency and employment through a wraparound initiative for youth and community. 

Additionally, Wally hosts Game Mondays at the restaurant where young people can come in, talk, and get help from older mentors with anything from job searches to financial literacy, ensuring that they have the tools that they need to succeed come adulthood. 

Above all, Chef Wally stressed his gratitude to the people who helped him achieve his dreams. "I appreciate the community," he said. "Without the community, I wouldn't be here... The city is the reason why I'm in the position that I'm in now." 

For orders and catering, email Chef Wally at wallysnwsoul@gmail.com or call (206) 693-333. Visit the new location at 2218 S Jackson St, Seattle, Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. You can also find Wally’s on DoorDash at https://bit.ly/WallysNW. 

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